Dozens of journalists covering the U.S. Defense Department left their Pentagon offices and surrendered their credentials on Wednesday as new press access restrictions took effect. The Defense Department had set a Tuesday deadline for news outlets to sign a new access policy or lose their press credentials and workspaces.
At least 30 news organizations, including Reuters, refused to sign, arguing the policy threatens press freedom and independent reporting on the U.S. military. The policy requires journalists to acknowledge rules that could label them security risks and revoke their badges for seeking classified or certain unclassified information.
The Pentagon Press Association, representing over 100 news outlets, called Wednesday "a dark day for press freedom," warning of weakened transparency, accountability, and free speech. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the policy, stating it’s necessary for national security and only requires journalists to acknowledge the rules, not agree with them. He accused reporters of overreacting.
Background-checked badges signify their clearance. Defense News reporter Stephen Losey emphasized that journalists don’t access classified areas or eavesdrop, countering some accusations.
Some journalists told Reuters the restrictions won’t stop their reporting. A Pentagon Press Association member, speaking anonymously, noted that sensitive discussions occur over encrypted apps like Signal, not in Pentagon hallways.
The policy, introduced under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is the latest in a series of press access curbs. Fox News is among the outlets rejecting the new rules.